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COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, the City of Surprise is communicating with public health partners at the regional, state, and national level to make sure we’re working together to provide the most accurate and timely information to our community and to safeguard the health and safety of our residents.
National Status
On April 16, 2020, President Trump announced guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives. https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/
The CDC released guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes to help address COVID-19 concerns as reopening occurs. Learn more…
State Status
Vaccine Status: COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are now available for the Phase 1A population, some of the Phase 1B population (Law Enforcement, Protective Services, Childcare Workers, K-12 Teachers, and Persons 75 and Older), in addition to adults 65 and older.
Register through ADHS
Register & get Maricopa County specific info
Pharmacy locations offering vaccine for adults 75+
COVID-19 Case Data - For information on the number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona, Maricopa County and by zip code, as well as the current state recommendations related to distancing, gatherings, and essential businesses, visit www.azdhs.gov.
Governor’s Executive Orders - Information on the Governor’s Executive Orders related to COVID-19 can be found below.
The public can file complaints against businesses not in compliance with the Governor’s Executive orders and ADHS COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses by submitting them online at www.azhealth.gov/ComplianceCOVID-19 or by phone at 1-844-410-2157.
“Easing Regulations to Encourage Outdoor Dining” Executive Order – On December 2, the Governor issued an Executive Order easing red tape on outdoor dining, increasing opportunities for safer dining experiences. The order makes it easier for restaurants to expand outdoor dining spaces.
“Further Mitigation Requirement For Events” Executive Order – On December 2, the Governor issued an Executive Order enhancing health and safety requirements for large public events approved by local cities, towns and counties, including that organized public events of more than 50 people may only be approved by local cities, towns and counties if they have determined that certain safety precautions are in place, and the event organizer has committed to implementing and enforcing these precautions.
Read the Executive Order | City of Surprise Application Process
“Arizona: Open for Learning” Executive Order – This Executive order, issued July 23, 2020 by Governor Ducey, provides additional resources, flexibility and clarity for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Read the Executive Order | County COVID-19 Schools Dashboard
“Continuation of Executive Order 2020-52: Slowing the Spread of COVID-19” Executive Order – On July 23, 2020 Governor Doug Ducey extended executive order order pausing operations on gyms, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing. The order also prohibits large events. The pause of these operations will be reviewed for repeal or revision every two weeks. UPDATE: On August 10, Upon initial two-week review, ADHS advised keeping these restrictions in place for the time being, but provided metrics for industry leaders and businesses to understand when a general reopening could be considered. Businesses have the opportunity through the attestation process for review of individual circumstances in the event that they are denied the ability to reopen for public health reasons. Learn more…
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order
“Continued Postponment of Eviction Enforcement Actions” Executive Order – This Executive Order, issued July 16, 2020 by Governor Ducey, extends a previous Executive Order (issued on March 24), that postponed the enforcement of eviction action orders for tenants experiencing certain financial and medical hardships due to COVID-19. Tenants must take new action beginning on August 22, 2020 to delay eviction.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Guidance for Landlords & Renters
“Reducing the Risk, Slowing the Spread – Limiting Indoor Dining” Executive Order – This executive order, issued July 9, 2020 by Governor Ducey, requires restaurants with indoor seating to operate at less than 50 percent capacity, gives additional guidance on distancing of outdoor dining, and orders the closing of all buffets, cafeteria style or self-serve food bars at restaurants.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order
Retailers – The Governor and Public Health have issued guidance for retailers.
Read the News Release │Read the Executive Order │Read Governor & ADHS Reopening Guidelines for Retail Businesses & Customers | Requirements for Businesses (NEW)
Barbers and Cosmetologists – Effective Friday, May 8, 2020, barbers and cosmetologists may resume operations provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Read the Guidance | Requirements for Businesses (NEW)
Restaurants and Coffee Shops - Effective Monday, May 11, 2020, dine-in services may resume provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19. UPDATE ON BARS: Operations must be paused at bars with a series 6 or 7 liquor license from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (these entities may provide take-out and curbside service) per the Governor’s July 23 Executive Order unless they meet the requirements for reopening as outlined here.
Read the News Release | Read the May 11 Executive Order | Read the Guidance
Requirements for Restaurants and Bars Providing Dine-In Services (NEW)
July 23 Executive Order pausing Bar operations
July 9 Executive Order limiting indoor dining to less than 50% capacity
August 10 Benchmarks and Requirements for Reopening
Pools – Effective Wednesday, May 13, pools may reopen with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation. Effective June 29, Pools operated as part of a public accommodation, such as those at hotels but not those at multi-housing complexes, shall prohibit groups larger than 10 from congregating together in or near the pool. Privately owned pools located in public areas such as those at multi-housing complexes or other privately owned facilities may continue to be open provided that signage is included at all entrances to the pool reminding people to maintain physical distance and that groups larger than 10 should not congregate.
Read the News Release | Read the May 13 Executive Order | Read the Guidance
Read the June 29 Executive Order
Gyms & Fitness Providers – Effective June 29, indoor gyms and fitness clubs or centers must pause operations until further notice unless they meet the benchmarks and requirements for reopening.
Read the July 23 Executive Order
August 10 Benchmarks and Requirements for Reopening
Spas – Effective Wednesday, May 13, spas may reopen with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Read the Guidance | Requirements for Businesses (NEW)
Major League Sports - Effective Saturday, May 16, major league sports can resume limited reopening, without fans.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order
Organized Youth Sports & Activities – Effective Thursday, May 28, organized youth sports and activities can resume. (Note: City of Surprise has begun operating select sports with enhanced safety measures.)
Places of Worship - While never formally closed, many places of worship opted to temporarily change or suspend services in order to follow physical distancing guidelines. As they resume operations, the Arizona Department of Health Services released guidance for enhanced physical distancing and safety precautions.
Read the News Release | Read the Executive Order | Read the Guidance
Schools - On July 23, the Governor issued an Executive Order that provides additional resources, flexibility and clarity for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Read the Executive Order | County COVID-19 Schools Dashboard
City of Surprise Status & Impacts
Face Covering Requirement:
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Surprise City Council has issued a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation requiring face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions.
Effective Saturday, June 20, every person over the age of two is required to wear a face covering while in all public settings within the City of Surprise where it is difficult to maintain a minimum physical distance of six (6) feet from others who do not live in the same residence.
Read the Declaration of Emergency Proclamation
*** Arizona’s most vulnerable populations, including those ages 65+ can order free cloth masks through Arizona Department of Health Services at www.azhealth.gov/ordermasks.
Cases in Surprise:
For information on the number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona by zip code, click here.
Facility Closures:
City Hall and other city administrative buildings are closed to the public until further notice.
This includes service counters for the City Clerk, Cashier and Development Services.
City business will continue to be conducted and core services will not be affected, including fire-medical, police, trash, water and other essential city services.
Please check the “Facilities” tab for more information on which buildings are open / closed and the “City Contacts” tab for information on how to contact city departments.
The city’s outdoor parks and recreation facilities and amenities that have reopened will remain open.
Now Open:
- Pickleball Courts, with modifications to observe physical distancing recommendations. More info.
- Dog Parks. Park hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Tennis & Raquetball Complex – Tennis and raquetball by reservation only with modifications to observe physical distancing recommendations. More info.
- Surprise Resource Center resumes regular hours, by appointment only
- Club swim team practices at Surprise Aquatic Center (Surprise Storm)
- Sand volleyball courts
- Skatepark at Dick McComb City Park
- Park playgrounds
- Park restrooms & drinking fountains
- Splash pads
- Basketball courts
- Rentals of park ramadas
- Rentals of sports fields
- Water aerobics – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
- Lap swim (by appointment) – ages 15 and older (Surprise Aquatic Center & Hollyhock Pool)
To registration for water aerobics and lap swim, visit http://surpriserec.surpriseaz.gov. For questions about Parks & Recreation programming, please call 623.222.2000.
Phased Reopening Plan - The City of Surprise has prepared a phased reopening plan. Each phase will consider the current guidance being provided at the federal and state levels and is subject to change based on that guidance. The plan also considers budget impacts due to COVID-19.
Read the City of Surprise COVID-19 Reopening Plan
Next Phase of Reopening:
The city is actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluating all programs in adherence to current CDC guidelines, including: youth and adult sports; adaptive programming; camps; special interest classes; special events; open swim at city pools; and the reopening of recreation centers. Please visit surpriseaz.gov/parks for current information on this programming.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience as we work towards the return of all of our programs and services and the reopening of all of our facilities and amenities in a safe and responsible manner.
Declaration of Emergency - Mayor Skip Hall issued a declaration of emergency in Surprise on March 18 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still in effect.